Let t=x2, so the equation becomes t2−at+9=0.
For all four roots of the original equation to be real and distinct, both roots of this quadratic must be positive and distinct.
Discriminant >0: a2−36>0⇒∣a∣>6. Since a>0, we need a>6.
Product of roots =9>0 and sum of roots =a>0, so both roots are positive.
The smallest positive integer satisfying a>6 is a=7.