So first Simon has in total 45 books. He spreads them into 5 cartons. So you can do 45 divided by 5 = 9. Now there is 9 books in each of the 5 cartons. Look and check: 9 x 5 = 45! Now one reader got 3 books. So 45 - 3 = 42! Simon has 42 books left for now. Now another reader comes and takes away 4 books!
42 - 4 = 38! Their are 4 cartons remaining and 38 books left! I hope that helps! :)