測定 and 推定: measured and inferred values
Distinguish obtaining a value by measurement from inferring it from clues. Also keep a plan to organize measurement results separate from an action already completed.
測定 obtains a measurement
測定, read そくてい, means measurement. When an animal is directly weighed on a scale, the method and resulting value can be identified together.
A record stating 測定した describes an actual measurement. Direct measurement alone, however, does not establish that every measurement error has disappeared.
推定 uses clues to infer a value
推定, read すいてい, means estimation or inference. 足跡の大きさから動物の体重を推定した。 says that someone estimated an animal’s body weight from the size of its footprints.
The sentence does not say the animal was weighed directly on a scale. The estimation was completed, but the estimated value is not guaranteed to equal the actual weight exactly.
When results are organized
測定の結果を表にまとめて比較する。 describes organizing measurement results in a table and comparing them. The ending 比較する is not the past form 比較した.
Context may make this a future action or a recurring method. The sentence alone does not establish that the table and comparison have already been completed.
Does 推定した from footprints mean the animal was directly weighed on a scale?
Show the answer and why
No. Its weight was inferred from the clue provided by footprint size. Distinguish completing an estimate from performing a direct measurement.