How to outdent a block with emacs?

Question

I can use C-x TAB for indenting 1 column, or C-u N C-x TAB for N columns.

How can I `outdent' a block with emacs?

Answer 1

Use rectangular operations. C-x r k - to kill a rectangle.

Answer 2

You do the same, since C-x tab understands negative arguments.

So to outdent 3 columns:

C-- C-3 C-x tab

Answer 3

Just like you mention for indenting:

C-u N C-x TAB

Just use a negative N:

C-u -N C-x TAB