Normally, terms are ordered from least to greatest, so x+1 is displayed as 1+x, xx+1+2x+3xx is displayed 2x+3xx+xx+1, and so on. However, x2x+xx+1 is displayed as x2x+x1+x instead of the expected x1+x+x2x. Also, Format[x^x+x^10,TraditionalForm] gives x10+xx instead of the expected xx+x10. Is this intended behavior?
TraditionalForm[x^x + x^10, ParameterVariables :> x]
(* x^x+x^10 *)
Take a look at the Polynomial Orderings section in the Algebraic Manipulation tech note.
Now, how would you find the parts of that?
Do you mean this?
MonomialList[x^x + x^10, "NegativeLexicographic"]
(* {x^x, x^10} *)
Indeed, thank you. This appears to fail with x^(x+1)+x^x however.
Not sure what your goal is or what problem you are trying to solve. Maybe all you need is
List @@ (x^x + x^10) // ReverseSort
List @@ (x^(x + 1) + x^x) // ReverseSort