The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word SOLVES
S
O
L
V
E
S
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Figures out" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case figures out = solves.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does SOLVES mean?
SOLVES verb- To find an answer or solution to a problem or question; to work out.
- To find the values of variables that satisfy a system of equations and/or inequalities.
- To algebraically manipulate an equation or inequality into a form that isolates a chosen variable on one side, so that the other side consists of an expression that may be used to generate solutions.
- To loosen or separate the parts of.