To estimate tα/2 using the t-distribution, one must first understand the significance level α, which represents the probability that the result is due to chance. The discussion involves calculating the population mean and standard deviation, as well as deriving confidence intervals from samples of size three. It emphasizes the importance of using the t-distribution for small sample sizes to ensure accurate estimates. Additionally, the mention of verifying results with the empirical rule indicates a need to check the consistency of findings with established statistical principles. Understanding these concepts is crucial for effectively solving related statistical problems.