Jerry had 18 action figures and 38 books on a shelf in his room. Later he added 40 more books to the shelf. How many more books than action figures were on his shelf?
Jerry had 18 action figures and 38 books on a shelf in his room. 

This means that there are a total of 18 + 38 = 56 items on the shelf. 

Later he added 40 more books to the shelf. 

This means that there are now a total of 56 + 40 = 96 items on the shelf. 

How many more books than action figures were on his shelf? 

This means that there are 96 - 18 = 78 more books than action figures on the shelf.