you have a META (or EDIT or ALT) key, there is another alternative way
to enter a numeric argument: type the digits while holding down the
META key. We recommend learning the C-u method because it works on
-any terminal.
+any terminal. The numeric argument is also called a "prefix argument",
+because you type the argument before the command it applies to.
For instance, C-u 8 C-f moves forward eight characters.
>> Try using C-n or C-p with a numeric argument, to move the cursor
to a line near this one with just one command.
-Most commands use the numeric argument as a repeat count. Certain
-exceptional commands use it differently. C-v and M-v are among the
-exceptions. When given an argument, they scroll the screen up or down
-by that many lines, rather than by a screenfuls. For example, C-u 4
-C-v scrolls the screen by 4 lines.
+Most commands use the numeric argument as a repeat count, but some
+commands use it in some other way. Several commands (but none of
+those you have learned so far) use it as a flag--the presence of a
+prefix argument, regardless of its value, makes the command do
+something different.
+
+C-v and M-v are another kind of exception. When given an argument,
+they scroll the screen up or down by that many lines, rather than by a
+screenful. For example, C-u 8 C-v scrolls the screen by 8 lines.
>> Try typing C-u 8 C-v now.