JEE Main Mathematics Question (2026) — Solution

Step-by-step solution

Let t = x^2, so the equation becomes t^2 - 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: a^2 - 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.