What is a fact vs. Theories?

According to Cambridge Dictionary (3^rd Edition) fact means something which is known to have happened or to exist, especially something for which proof exists or about which there is information. Pratt, J. P (1998) stated that fact in general in science, refer to the observation. They are the best when they are repeatable observation under controlled conditions.

Hence, theories according to Cambridge Dictionary (3^rd Edition) is a formal statement of the rules on which a subject of study is based or of ideas which are suggested to explain a fact or event or, more generally, an opinion or explanation. Meanwhile, Pratt, J.P (1998) wrote that theories are the explanation proposed in step two of the scientific method. Usually the word “theory” is reserved for more than first attempt, which might be called a “hypothesis”. Pratt, J.P (1998) stated that distinguish between facts and theories that facts usually remain the same and the theories often change depend on situation. Meanwhile, Pratt, J.P (1998) also used scientific method to see how facts and theories interact. In scientific method there are 3 steps which is make observation, propose a theory which is try to explain what you have observed and lastly used the theory to predict future observation.

Ref.       1 Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary 3^rd Edition

             2 Pratt, J.P (1998) facts or theory.  www.johnpratt.com/items/astronomy/science.html