1. **State the problem:** Solve for $m$ in the equation $$4(m + 1) = 12$$. 2. **Use the distributive property:** Multiply 4 by each term inside the parentheses: $$4 \times m + 4 \times 1 = 12$$ which simplifies to $$4m + 4 = 12$$. 3. **Isolate the term with $m$:** Subtract 4 from both sides: $$4m + 4 - \cancel{4} = 12 - \cancel{4}$$ which simplifies to $$4m = 8$$. 4. **Solve for $m$:** Divide both sides by 4: $$\frac{4m}{\cancel{4}} = \frac{8}{\cancel{4}}$$ which simplifies to $$m = 2$$. 5. **Final answer:** $$m = 2$$