Systems and methods for manipulating mathematical expressions in a computer system. A system can include a builddown module programmed to builddown a mathematical expression from a two-dimensional format to a linear format, the builddown module being programmed to associate a special property of the two-dimensional format of the mathematical expression with a corresponding character of the linear format of the mathematical expression. A method can include receiving a request to builddown the mathematical expression from a two-dimensional format to a linear format, building down the mathematical expression to the linear format, and associating a special property of the two-dimensional format of the mathematical expression with a corresponding character of the linear format of the mathematical expression.