The problem asks how many small triangles will be in the next figure of the pattern, based on the diagram showing the first three figures.

Let's analyze the pattern:

1. First figure: 1 small triangle.
2. Second figure: 4 small triangles.
3. Third figure: 9 small triangles.

The number of triangles in each figure seems to follow a pattern of perfect squares:

• First figure: $1^2 = 1$
• Second figure: $2^2 = 4$
• Third figure: $3^2 = 9$

From this, we can infer that the next figure, which is the fourth figure, will have $4^2 = 16$ small triangles.

Final Answer:

The next figure in the pattern will have 16 small triangles.

Would you like more details or explanations on the solution?

Here are 5 questions to expand on this concept:

1. How would the fifth figure look in this pattern, and how many triangles would it have?
2. Can you identify a general formula for the number of triangles in the nth figure?
3. How could this pattern be modeled geometrically or algebraically?
4. How does the pattern change as the figures grow larger?
5. How can this concept of patterns apply to other geometric shapes?

Tip: Identifying perfect squares in patterns like these is a common strategy in solving visual and geometric sequence problems.