Why is there only one independent variable for a line integral?

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I read from a textbook that

The essential point to understand about a line integral is that there is one independent variable, because we are required to remain on a curve.

How does remaining on a curve result in only one independent variable for the line integral, for both 2D and 3D cases?

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Any curve can be parametrized by a function $f(t)$, where $t \in [0,1]$ typically.

$f(0)$ represents the beginning, or start of your curve, and $f(1)$ the end. If your curve is in multiple dimensions, you can parametrize it such that each of the functions depends on only the variable $t$:

$$x(t) = \quad ...$$ $$y(t) = \quad ...$$ $$z(t) = \quad ...$$

You can thus project your curve in $n$-dimensional space onto each dimension, $x, y, z$, etc... and then define a function that will parameterize that dimension. This system of equations only depends on a single parameter, $t$, which dictates which $x, y,$ and $z$ coordinates must be taken in order to "stay on the curve".