In counting triangle problems, always consider:
- Simple triangles
- Composite triangles (formed by combining smaller ones)
- Symmetry in the figure to avoid undercounting or overcounting.
We count all individual and composite triangles in the figure:
- Triangles formed in each of the 4 smaller triangles: \(4\)
- Triangles formed by combining two smaller ones: \(4\)
- Triangles in the center by diagonals crossing: \(4\)
- Triangles formed by combining three small ones: \(3\)
- Entire big triangle at the top: \(1\)
\[
\Rightarrow \text{Total} = 4 + 4 + 4 + 3 + 1 = 17
\]