How can I format MacBook hard drive from OSX install disc?

How can I format MacBook hard drive from OSX install disc?

I did some research and I found that rEFIt makes the OSX install disc nit recognize a Tiger partition. I've read that the solution includes backing up and then formatting. I am going to do this sans the backup. How can I format the drive using an OSX? Will this the Tiger fix the issue of the installer not seeing partition?