1. **State the problem:** Solve the two-step equation for $u$: $$12 = 4 + 4u$$ 2. **Understand the goal:** We want to isolate $u$ on one side of the equation. 3. **Subtract 4 from both sides:** To remove the constant term on the right, subtract 4 from both sides: $$12 - 4 = 4 + 4u - 4$$ which simplifies to $$8 = 4u$$ 4. **Divide both sides by 4:** To isolate $u$, divide both sides by 4: $$\frac{8}{4} = \frac{4u}{4}$$ which simplifies to $$2 = u$$ 5. **Final answer:** $$u = 2$$ This means the value of $u$ that satisfies the equation is 2.