Let's denote the amount of flour in the original recipe as \( x \) cups. The original recipe calls for a total of 2 cups of sugar and an unknown amount of flour, which sums up to the total combined ingredients for the original recipe.
The combined amount of flour and sugar in the original recipe for 4 loaves can be represented as:
\[ x + 2 \text{ cups of sugar} \]
Now, if she wants to make only one loaf, the changed recipe calls for 2.5 cups of flour and sugar combined. Since the full recipe makes 4 loaves, the combined ingredient amount for one loaf is:
\[ \frac{x + 2}{4} \]
According to the problem, this amount is equal to 2.5 cups. Therefore, we can write the equation:
\[ \frac{x + 2}{4} = 2.5 \]
To eliminate the fraction, multiply both sides by 4:
\[ x + 2 = 10 \]
Next, subtract 2 from both sides to solve for \( x \):
\[ x = 10 - 2 \] \[ x = 8 \]
Thus, the amount of flour in the original recipe is \( 8 \) cups.
The answer is: 8 cups.
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