What is the role of the Bellman Optimality Equation in Q-Learning?

Updated May 17, 2026

Short answer

It defines the recursive structure of optimal Q-values.

Deep explanation

The Bellman Optimality Equation expresses that the value of a state-action pair equals immediate reward plus discounted optimal future value. Q-learning uses this principle to iteratively converge to the optimal policy without requiring a model.

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