# extend this expression to cover them.  If you have fewer
 # slots, extra entries are harmless.
 SINGLE_CORE_SLOTS_CLAIMED = \
-  $(WHOLE_MACHINE_SLOT_STATE) =?= "Claimed" < \
+  ($(WHOLE_MACHINE_SLOT_STATE) =?= "Claimed") < \
   (Slot1_State =?= "Claimed") + \
   (Slot2_State =?= "Claimed") + \
   (Slot3_State =?= "Claimed") + \